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While some people love the feeling of a plush mattress, others prefer the no-nonsense and ultra-supportive feel of an extra-firm mattress.
Extra-firm mattresses made by reputable brands are harder to find than other firmness options. That means it’s especially important to do your research and make sure you’re getting a quality product.
We looked into the truly extra-firm options available and picked the best of the best. Read on to find our top mattress picks, how to shop, and who might benefit from an extra-firm mattress.
We zeroed in on the best products made by reputable brands. Here are the criteria we used:
Firmness rating: Many brands use a number scale to determine firmness level, with 9 to 10 being the firmest. Otherwise, they use terms like “ultra firm,” “extra firm,” or “very firm.” Our picks are the firmest you can find.
Trial period: Our picks include at least a 100-night trial, either directly from the manufacturer or from a third-party retailer.
Warranty: Our picks have at least a 10-year warranty to give you peace of mind, just in case your mattress has a defect or wears out too quickly. Double-check the warranty before you buy, as not all warranties cover the same things.
Customer reviews: We considered customer reviews in our picks to find the best-rated and most-loved mattresses.
An extra-firm mattress is a very good choice for back and stomach sleepers who require extra attention to their natural spine alignment, like if they seek relief from back and joint pain.
Other potential good candidates for an extra-firm mattress are:
Heavier sleepers: For people with more weight, an extra-firm mattress may provide the support needed.
Back sleepers: Back sleepers generally need to maintain a good posture as they sleep, so a firm mattress may help keep their spine lifted and supported.
Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers also typically need a firmer bed, which can help prevent the back from curving into a painful or unnatural position.
It might be tempting to assume that a firmer mattress means a more supportive mattress, but that isn’t really the case. Firmness doesn’t refer to overall support. Rather, it refers to how the top layer of the mattress feels.
Mattress firmness is generally rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. But not every company rates their mattresses the same way, meaning one company’s level 5 may feel different from another company’s.
The firmness of a mattress is ultimately measured by the amount of “give” it has when someone lies down on it. The firmest mattresses have the least amount of give. In contrast, the least firm mattresses feel soft and plush, and they sink when someone lies on top of them.
Firmness is just one factor that can add to the comfort level of your mattress. Here are some others to keep in mind as you shop:
Mattress type: Whether you choose an innerspring, foam, or hybrid mattress is based on preference. If you’re not sure what you like best, hybrid mattresses can be a great option since they incorporate elements from both innerspring and foam mattresses.
Motion isolation: Motion isolation refers to a mattress’s ability to absorb motion. If you share a bed with a partner, a mattress with good motion isolation can ensure no one’s awakened by any tossing and turning.
Pressure relief:Mattresses with pressure relief allow for some contouring near areas that bear the most weight at night, like the hips or shoulders. Extra-firm mattresses don’t allow a ton of sinking, making pressure relief harder to find. If you need pressure relief, look for mattresses made with foam on top for some added comfort and contouring.
Temperature control: Some mattresses use specific materials to prevent body heat from trapping or create a cool-to-touch feel. If you tend to sleep hot, try looking for mattresses that incorporate this technology.
Edge support: A mattress without good edge support will sink if you sit on the edge of it. This can cause sagging over time or make your bed less comfortable if you’re sharing with a partner.
Trying your mattress in a store before you buy might be helpful, but the true test for any mattress is sleeping on it.
Whether you’re buying online or in a store, make sure your mattress has an in-home trial with a return option if it doesn’t work for you.
Purchasing a new mattress is a fantastic start to creating a more comfortable bed, but there are other considerations as well:
Mattress topper: A mattress topper will keep the support of a firm mattress while adding a more cushioned sleep surface.
New pillow: Generally speaking, pillows should be replaced every 1 to 2 years, or, if your pillow isn’t comfortable, sooner than that.
Fresh sheets: A new set of sheets can freshen up your sleep space. For those who run hot, there are sheets designed to help keep you cool as you sleep.
A new comforter: Whether you prefer some weight to your comforter or a light, airy alternative, make sure your comforter meets your needs so you can get a great night’s rest.
Mattress firmness can make or break your night’s rest, but the type that’s best for you depends on personal preference. It’s important to find mattresses with solid trial periods that allow you to return the mattress if it’s not the one for you.
In general, back and stomach sleepers may prefer firmer mattresses, as the mattress will prevent that sinking-in feeling that can cause back pain.
But whether you prefer a firm or extra-firm mattress largely depends on what you find most comfortable.
Research from 2015 found that custom-inflated medium-firm mattresses are best for those with lower back pain. So, if you’re experiencing lower back pain, an extra-firm mattress might not be the best fit for you. Instead, try opting for a lower firmness rating.
Doctors recommend sleeping on a mattress that promotes neutral spinal alignment and deep sleep. A 2021 review suggests that a medium-firm mattress is the best option for getting this result. Keep in mind that the best mattress for you (and your doctor’s recommendation) will be personalized based on your body type, sleeping position, and other health factors.
Extra-firm mattresses are less common than firm, medium-firm, or plush mattresses. Not every major mattress manufacturer offers an extra-firm option.
Whether an extra-firm mattress is right for you largely depends on your personal firmness preferences. People with back pain might not find relief from a super-hard mattress.
If you decide to purchase an extra-firm mattress, make sure your purchase comes with a solid in-home trial period to make sure the firmness is really what you’re looking for.
Last medically reviewed on January 26, 2024
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
